Sanwo-Olu Hails Oniru Business Council As Model For Devt

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the Oniru Business and Cultural Day as a model of responsible leadership shaping sustainable development.

The governor made the remarks during the business session of the formal inauguration of the Oniru Business Council and celebration of the Cultural Day held at the Oniru Palace in Iru, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday.

Represented by the deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu commended the Oniru for what he described as gracious dedication and purposeful leadership. He noted that his administration has focused on strengthening economic foundations through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda, especially as the state approaches another electoral cycle when discussions about leadership and development take centre stage.

According to him, Lagos has embraced the principle of an inclusive economy, citing the transformation of the Oniru axis from a largely residential and underdeveloped area into a prime destination for hospitality, real estate, commerce and creative enterprise.

He attributed the growth to strategic planning, collaboration with traditional institutions and investor confidence in the stability of Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said the Oniru Business and Cultural Day demonstrates how leadership can responsibly shape development, adding that stability and clarity of vision from traditional institutions encourage investor confidence, community growth and shared prosperity.

He explained that the state government has implemented targeted programmes to support small and medium enterprises, digital entrepreneurship, the creative economy and vocational training to expand economic opportunities and ensure inclusive growth.

The governor also assured the business community that Lagos would remain open for business, stable and forward-looking despite the approaching election season.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada-Ambrose, described Lagos as a state built on heritage, enterprise, innovation and collaboration. She said traditional institutions play a key role in fostering community-driven development, preserving cultural identity and strengthening investment confidence.

Bada-Ambrose stated that the Oniru Business Network provides a platform for dialogue and shared accountability among government, traditional institutions and the private sector, stressing that progress depends on collaboration among these stakeholders.

She added that the state continues to welcome investments in manufacturing, technology, agriculture value chains, renewable energy, the creative economy and financial services, while strengthening public-private partnerships and regulatory reforms to improve competitiveness and protect investors.

Also speaking, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, said the event represents the institutional expression of a vision developed through years of consultation and engagement within the kingdom.

The monarch said stakeholders in Iru land have consistently called for coordinated growth, structured dialogue and inclusive prosperity that benefits both host communities and investors.

He said the Oniru Business and Cultural Day provides a structured platform for partnership, engagement and accountability, guided by the philosophy of “Peace Through Partnership,” to ensure that culture, commerce and community development reinforce one another.